Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun, Part Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

36-48 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

36 inches

Ornamental Use
Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.

Beds, Borders

Life Cycle
This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.

Annual

Growth Habit
The genetic tendency of a plant to grow in a certain shape, such as vining or bush like.

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.

If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Planting in the Garden:

Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-draining soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant, approximately 12-16 inches apart large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
zedediah from
Wow!The salvia shot up like a rocket, and the bees, butterflies and hummingbirds have really enjoyed them this summer.

Date published: 2017-10-13

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mustang from
Hummingbirds LOVE!!!The Amistad Salvia is a keeper in my yard every year. The hummingbirds absolutely love the flowers. The plant grew to an unbelievably beautiful size loaded with long lasting flowers for the hummingbirds!

Date published: 2017-10-13

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Michael210 from
Hummingbird MagnetHealthy plants, transplanted and have had vigorous growth!

Date published: 2017-07-16

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Wink from
SalviaSlow to start but now beautiful . The hummers love it . I have it planted at various locations on property.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
MarieP from
Gorgeous!I bought some of these plants last year - they bloomed steadily through our miserably hot summer here in central Texas and now these beautiful, intensely colored blossoms are back! Salvia Amistad is such an undemanding but rewarding plant and so easy to love - I just ordered several more. I mixed them with the Black and Blue Salvia - behind my peach and pink lantanas.

Date published: 2017-04-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
songbird from
Long bloom season, loved by hummingbirdsI started growing this salvia in the summer of 2014, and it was just wonderful. I was able to overwinter some in my basement, and I grew many more in 2015. This is stunning in a garden with Wendy's Wish and the Black and Blue.